One of the three great festivals of Tohoku, the Aomori Nebutamatsuri is no quiet cultural affair—this is a city-wide explosion of color and sound, where the streets erupt with energy and both adults and children scream their hearts out in pure celebration!
We’ve also extended the fun with a full itinerary of must-visit spots within an hour of the festival, and of course, a deep dive into the breathtaking Oirase mountain stream! This one article gives you the full picture!
Join Japan’s most vibrant and explosive summer festival—the Aomori Nebutamatsuri!
(Image sources: Aomori Nebutamatsuri Facebook, Aomori Nebuta Festival Executive Committee.)
If you're a fan of festival culture and all things lively, you absolutely can't miss the Aomori Nebutamatsuri.
This isn't your average mellow cultural event—it's a legendary celebration where the entire city gets involved, the streets burst with energy, and everyone from kids to adults shouts themselves hoarse in excitement!
This ultimate guide also includes nearby must-see spots and the breathtaking beauty of the Oirase mountain stream—so you can experience it all in one perfect trip!
-------Table of Contents-------
Introduction to Aomori Nebutamatsuri ►
How to Join and Participate in the Festival ►
Parade Route & Map of the Nebutamatsuri ►
Aomori Weather & Temperature in August ►
Top Attractions Within One Hour by Car ►
Lake Towada & Oirase Mountain Stream ►
Recommended Charter Tour Itineraries ►
----------------------------------------
Introduction to Aomori Nebutamatsuri ►
The Aomori Nebutamatsuri (Japanese: ねぶた祭) takes place annually from August 2 to 7 and is one of the most iconic summer festivals in Japan’s Tohoku region. Alongside the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri and the Akita Kanto Festival, it is recognized as one of the Four Great Festivals of Tohoku.
Held in Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan, the Aomori Nebutamatsuri was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 1980.
It is believed that the festival originated from the traditional Tanabata celebration. Another theory suggests it began in the 8th century during General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's military campaigns against the Emishi tribes, where giant lanterns, flutes, and drums were used to confuse and distract the enemy.
Although its true origins remain unclear, the festival has evolved into the grand event it is today—featuring massive human-shaped lantern floats called “Nebuta” parading through the streets on floats, accompanied by dancers known as HANETO. This unique tradition has cemented its reputation as one of Japan’s most spectacular cultural festivals.
Image source: Aomori Tourism and Convention Association
How to Join and Participate in the Festival ►
Every year, the Aomori Nebutamatsuri draws approximately 3 million visitors from across Japan and abroad, all eager to witness its jaw-dropping spectacle firsthand!
During the festival, the streets of Aomori City transform into brightly lit parade avenues. Towering Nebuta lantern floats—up to 5 meters tall and 9 meters long—are crafted with precision by local companies and communities. These glowing giants parade through the streets accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, the sound of flutes, and energetic dance troupes chanting “Rassera~ Rassera~” as they move.
Whether you prefer to simply watch and enjoy or want to join in on the action—you can even dance along！
We’ve laid out three different ways to participate, so you can choose the experience that suits you best:
♦Please note: The following information is based on 2024 details. For updates regarding 2025, please refer to the official website for the latest announcements.
圖片來源：青森睡魔祭執行委員會
Whether you can dance or not, just jump in and join the fun—here, it's totally okay to move freely with the rhythm!
Choose the most immersive way to experience it—become a HANETO!
HANETO dancers move energetically around the glowing floats, dancing and shouting “Rasera! Rasera!” to the sound of bells, filling the streets with festive excitement!
Image Source: Aomori Nebuta Festival Executive Committee
Image Source:：IG@uta_toshi
Parade Route & Map of the Nebutamatsuri ►
The official route map for 2025 has yet to be announced, but it is expected to follow the same “Central Aomori City Loop Route” as in previous years.
The parade is anticipated to start near Aomori Station and end around Aoiumi Park, covering a total distance of approximately 2.1 kilometers.
Image Source: Aomori Nebuta Festival Executive Committee
• Do not block the road for photos: Once the Nebuta floats start moving, the streets become their stage!
• Do not touch the floats: They may be right in front of you, but each one is a handcrafted work of art!
• Do not join the parade without permission: Want to dance? You must register first—don’t jump in uninvited!
• Do not litter: Designated trash bins are provided—please sort your waste properly.
• Keep an eye on children: The crowds can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to get separated.
Aomori Weather & Temperature in August ►
Summer in Aomori—especially in early August—is one of the rare places in Japan where the weather stays pleasantly cool, making it an ideal destination for a refreshing summer getaway.
Here are the average temperatures in central Aomori during early August:
Daytime: Around 27–31°C
Nighttime: Around 20–22°C
Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, where temperatures often soar above 35°C, Aomori stays relatively cool even during the day, with mornings and evenings bringing a comfortable chill. In mountainous areas like Hakkoda or along the Oirase mountain stream, it can feel even cooler!
Recommended clothing:
Short sleeves, light outerwear, breathable and easy-to-move-in clothes, hat
What to bring:
Fan, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, wet wipes
Top Attractions Within One Hour by Car ►
Starting from the Aomori Nebutamatsuri, here are must-see spots within an hour's drive!
1、Hirosaki Castle & Hirosaki Park
Location: Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Highlights: One of Japan’s most beautiful historic castles and parks, with over a century of charm and elegance
Image Source: Official Website of Hirosaki Park
2. Aomori Museum of Art
Location: 185 Yasuda Kinnokano, Aomori City
Highlights: Features works by Yoshitomo Nara and Yayoi Kusama, set in a striking white minimalist building!
Image Source: Official Website of Aomori Museum of Art
3. Hakkoda Ropeway
Location: Kansui-zawa, Arakawa, Aomori City
Highlights: Located on Mt. Hakkoda, which rises over 1,500 meters above sea level. With summer temperatures around 18–22°C, it’s a perfect spot to escape the heat!
Image Source: Official Website of Amazing Aomori
4. Furukawa Fish Market
Location: 1 Chome, Furukawa, Aomori City
Highlights: Create your own seafood rice bowl (kaisendon)! Pick and choose every ingredient just the way you like it.
Image Source: Official Website of Amazing Aomori
5. Hirosaki Apple Park
Location: Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Highlights: Experience the magic of Aomori’s apple kingdom! The park features over 2,300 apple trees and more than 80 apple varieties available for picking.
Image Source: Official Website of Hirosaki Apple Park
Lake Towada & Oirase Mountain Stream ►
You Still Need a Journey That Breathes
Aomori is more than just Nebuta! If the Aomori Nebutamatsuri is a summer explosion of energy, then Oirase mountain stream + Lake Towada is the gentle and serene side of the season.
There’s no noise here, no massive crowds of tourists—just the sound of flowing water, a breeze drifting through the forest, and air so fresh you’ll feel like, “Wow, I’m truly alive.”
Lake Towada and the Oirase mountain stream are stunning natural wonders that absolutely deserve a spot on your must-visit list!
This is especially for: » Those who want to take elders out for a trip without tiring them—ideally all flat paths, no uphill climbs
» Parents with kids who don’t want to hit city attractions every single day
» Nature lovers who want to walk, explore, and still take it easy
» Travelers who don’t want to walk too much—just relax and unwind
» Anyone needing an excuse for their boss like “I might be out of range today in the mountains” (Oops)
A Dreamlike Destination ▌Lake Towada
Location: On the border between Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture
Highlights: Lake Towada is one of Japan’s most renowned caldera lakes, with crystal-clear, mirror-like waters and breathtaking beauty in every season. Along the lake, you’ll find scenic walking trails, shrines, observation decks, and even lake cruises available for a leisurely exploration.
Image Source: Official Website of Amazing Aomori
Japan’s Most Beautiful Forest Trail ▌Oirase mountain stream
Location: Border of Towada City and Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
Highlights: A 14-kilometer-long forest valley trail often called “Japan’s most breathable forest.” It's a perfect escape in summer, a fiery foliage route in autumn, and a fresh green paradise in spring. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and unique rock formations—ideal for a relaxing, family-friendly nature walk that’s as healing as it is breathtaking.
\Image Source: Official Website of Amazing Aomori
Recommended Charter Tour Itineraries ►
We’ve crafted the perfect Lake Towada + Oirase mountain stream private one-day tour—
No hiking, no rushing, no stressful transfers. Just smooth rides, easy walks, and stunning photo spots.
Hop in, breathe deep, and enjoy a relaxed day of nature with your family at your own pace.
Here’s how the private tour is laid out—it fits perfectly in a day!
You can also switch it up: reverse route or overnight stay
If you're starting from Hachinohe or Towada City, consider a reverse itinerary—Lake Towada ➜ Oirase mountain stream ➜ return to Aomori. You can even add an overnight stay at Asamushi Onsen for a 2-day, 1-night nature reset.
Want to take the healing even further? Soak in a hot spring, then wrap it all up with the explosive energy of the Aomori Nebutamatsuri—a perfect journey from high-intensity thrills to deep relaxation.
Dance with the Nebuta today, embrace the forest tomorrow, and unwind by the lake the day after—this is the magic of Aomori.
if you’re only planning to see the Aomori Nebutamatsuri, you’re missing out. Beyond the lantern-lit streets lies a whole side of Aomori made for slowing down and breathing deep.
Day one, shout “Rassera!” with the towering floats in the city center、Day two, listen to the soothing sounds of the Oirase mountain stream、Day three, sip coffee by Lake Towada as the sunset paints the water.
Aomori strikes a perfect balance—just the right kind of loud, just the right kind of calm.
And with our private car service, we stitch all those moments together seamlessly.
No rushed transfers. No confusing schedules. No stress with kids or elderly parents.
Just the kind of trip everyone deserves: thrilling one day, healing the next, and already wanting more the day after.
Feel free to contact us anytime!
Japan Private Car Tours：
Learn more about our private car service：Click here for details
♦ More Aomori City / Aomori Nebutamatsuri Info at a Glance:
Aomori Nebutamatsuri Executive Committee
https://www.nebuta.jp/
Aomori Tourism and International Exchange Organization
https://www.aomori-kanko.or.jp/
Aomori City Culture & Tourism Exchange
https://reurl.cc/qGgqG3
Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE
https://reurl.cc/xNG8Wz
© Copyright 2024 by TTtrips Co., Ltd. All rights reserved
